]There's a price to pay for using titanium, especially in patients who are undergoing PSOs. Titanium is largely used because it makes MRIs more readable. However, it's quite brittle, and easily breaks under a lot of stress. I don't know how standard it is, but most of the surgeons with whom I work have started using satellite rods in the area of the PSO (2 rods on each side as opposed to 1 on each side), or have stayed with stainless steel for these patients.
Thanks for this info. I did not know this about Titanium. Could you please elaborate? A PSO is an osteotomy, right? I've received conflicting opinions, but it looks like the surgeon I've chosen will do osteotomies on me. Does this mean he will use a certain type of metal? Please explain. Thanks,

--Linda[/QUOTE]

09-26-2015, 08:43 AM

Lizardacres

Trying to predict a surgeon's preference is a waste of effort. But they will tell you if you ask what they plan to use. Ask them why they plan to use this for you and see what they say. Mine used a DePuy cobalt chrome system. I think it is stiffer than titanium. But I think whether you get a good fusion is probably more important than the material used.

09-26-2015, 12:40 PM

Susie*Bee

Dear Susan - how many times do we say "Can't believe this has happened to you!" I am so sorry! I, too, am not a member of this elite club but one day I may find myself here, but probably caused by falling down. Whack! I don't know how strong our fusions are. I've had some pains since my big fall in January, but think I'm ok.

After Ed's comment about your x-ray I looked all over for it and decided you must have emailed it to him and that is fine. I'm sure it's horrendous and will take his word on it. I am praying for you and that there will be a good solution to this broken rod scenario you are now involved with. How simple life was at one point, wasn't it? Here we are in the days , as Ed so humorously put it, past the black light parties and bodies of steel and on into the complex realities of changed lives with major decisions and limitations that we don't want and beach ball bodies (!)... gotta love that one, Ed. So profound and of instant self-recognition, unfortunately, to many of us, no matter how hard we may try.

One totally off topic/thread stealer that I will mention is that this has been Charcot Marie Tooth Awareness month. I am thinking of Rohrer and myself and other scolis that have been diagnosed with it. On facebook there is a closed group and in the past few days we have been making a book with our pictures - I am #1in2500 and the absolutely incredible thing is that there has been a humongous response and they are coming in from all over the world- every continent except Antarctica and these people are so surprised because they thought they were all alone. Many, including little children, are in wheelchairs or have such disabilities that it is amazing. But they all have beautiful faces. It has been inspiring. Some also push themselves through what they can do and will not give in until they can't do anymore. I am mentioning it here because I want us to realize we, of course, are not alone with disabilities. Many of those people have asked about scoliosis -- such as "I am crooked and hunchbacked- should I see a doctor?" They are connected. Some have EDS as well.

Susan - as always, I send my love and prayers. You are a hero. Love, Susie

I fall because of CMT - have had 3 falls since January... balance issues.

09-26-2015, 01:26 PM

LindaRacine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tableone

]
Thanks for this info. I did not know this about Titanium. Could you please elaborate? A PSO is an osteotomy, right? I've received conflicting opinions, but it looks like the surgeon I've chosen will do osteotomies on me. Does this mean he will use a certain type of metal? Please explain. Thanks,

Yes, a PSO is a type of osteotomy. I don't have a clue what type of metal your surgeon will use. As always, if you trust your surgeon, trust that they will do the best thing they can for you.

--Linda

09-29-2015, 09:14 PM

golfnut

Susan,
I know there is nothing that I can say that will help. I just want you to know that I am so sorry that you have had such a horrible time. I keep hoping and praying that you will eventually get back to a better quality of life.

10-02-2015, 08:59 AM

Marianne

Dear Susan, like Susie B says how many times do we say I cannot believe this has happened to you again. You have been through so much and now this. All I can say is that I am thinking of you and hope you will get through this without another surgery.
These sure are not the golden years for us older folks.

10-02-2015, 09:42 AM

susancook

Thanks Karen, Marianne, and everyone else for you good thoughts and prayers.
Susan

10-02-2015, 10:23 PM

dailypain

About broken rods

I am assuming everyone that breaks a rod is usually fused through sacrum. Correct? Are you bending during the breakage or what should us that have not had broken rods be most concerned with. I know when I do bend (never all the way down) I have very bad pain.

Any comments?

10-06-2015, 02:30 AM

susancook

Quote:

Originally Posted by dailypain

I am assuming everyone that breaks a rod is usually fused through sacrum. Correct? Are you bending during the breakage or what should us that have not had broken rods be most concerned with. I know when I do bend (never all the way down) I have very bad pain.

Any comments?

I cannot speak to whether everyone is fused through the sacrum or not that breaks a rod. I am.

Unlike Gayle, who had a loud pop when she broke a rod, I did not hear any sound. I do remember that I started, not dramatically, to feel more pain one day that continued. I knew something was different.

Susan

10-06-2015, 02:36 AM

susancook

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susie*Bee

After Ed's comment about your x-ray I looked all over for it and decided you must have emailed it to him and that is fine. I'm sure it's horrendous and will take his word on it.

Susie: Ed is referring to my xray that I posted [sideways] in the section of First Time Surgery: "I am glad that I had Scoliosis surgery". It is a pretty impressive kyphosis if I say so myself. So glad that it was repaired and the pain with it is gone.

You are so wonderful and supportive! Thanks for all that you have done to help me survive my saga.

Susan

10-06-2015, 02:55 PM

LindaRacine

Quote:

Originally Posted by dailypain

I am assuming everyone that breaks a rod is usually fused through sacrum. Correct? Are you bending during the breakage or what should us that have not had broken rods be most concerned with. I know when I do bend (never all the way down) I have very bad pain.

Any comments?

No, that is incorrect. L5-S1 is definitely vulnerable, but things like circumferential fusion and the use of biologics have significantly reduced the amount of non-union at that level.